How can we reduce sudden death in the community?

Cardiac arrest outcomes have not improved for 30 years. Survival from defibrillation within 3 minutes of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) onset is 70% to 80%. However, VT/VF accounts for only 30% to 40% of arrests. In non-VT/VF arrest and VT/VF arrest without an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site, survival from manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is 2% to 8%, vs 20% to 30%from witnessed arrests in communities offering bystander CPR and rapid arrival of trained personnel with an AED. Hence the drive to simplify CPR instruction, emphasizing proper chest compression, full release between compressions, and avoidance of overventilation. Drugs and devices other than defibrillators have demonstrated no long-term survival benefit. Technological advances and raised community awareness offer the best hopes for improving quality survival.